California - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

California hugs the western coast of the US, home of vibrant cities, awe-inspiring nature and over 800 miles of glorious Pacific coastline waiting to be explored. You’ll find more national parks in California than any other state, each offering awe-inspiring nature on a grand scale – choose from the desert landscapes found along the Mexican border, the rugged mountain ranges of central California, up to the evergreen forests in the far north of the state.

California’s famous coastal cities offer a variety of flavour. Head to liberal San Francisco, glamorous Beverly Hills or chilled San Diego, home of the SoCal spirit. With golden sunsets, endless beaches, and easygoing people, it’s easy to fall in love with Cali.

Top destinations in California

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Palm Springs
Palm Springs offers a desert paradise on the United States West Coast, with hot springs, upscale resorts, golf courses, and fantastic mid-century architecture. Here, you can shoot 18 holes at Arnold Palmer championship golf courses at Palm Desert's Classic Club...
San Jose
San Jose lies at the southern end of San Francisco Bay and bridges the Coyote and Guadalupe Rivers. Technology is big news in this forward-thinking city - see how much our lives are affected by it with a trip to...
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a Southern Californian city that’s best known for the eponymous Hollywood Sign. You may spot a celebrity...
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz sits on the northern edge of glittering Monterey Bay, a sunny area that's known for its golden sandy...
Santa Monica
Santa Monica, located 16 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, is home to the irresistible namesake beach and pier. Santa...
Napa
Napa lies in the north of California and is the epicentre of wine production in Napa County. There are literally...
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California is famed for its 1700s Spanish mission, museums, unusual folk art...
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a California coastal city that is famed for its beaches, serene coves and vibrant arts and cultural...
Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a coastal Californian town on the Pacific coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. The coastline benefits from...
Monterey
Monterey, located on California's central coast, is an excellent city for a romantic break or a fun-packed family vacation. Surrounded...
Anaheim
Anaheim is known around the world as the home of the Disneyland® Resort. This vast complex encompasses theme parks, hotels,...

What to see & do in California

Featured stories & fun stuff

12 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
This list of the best things to do in San Francisco is a cool mix of sightseeing, shopping, and culinary journeys. The city is home to the world’s last manually operated cable cars, which you can enjoy steep, uphill climbs...
10 Best Things to Do in Monterey
There are plenty of things to do in Monterey, a quintessential north Californian ocean town in the USA. Facing wide...
10 Most Popular Streets in San Francisco
Visiting the most popular streets in San Francisco will not disappoint travellers looking for an authentic California experience. As a...
12 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
Some of the best things to do in Los Angeles are often associated with the city's glamour, fame, and fortune....
11 Best Viewpoints in Los Angeles
The best viewpoints in Los Angeles are varied spots from where you can take in a distinct perspective of the...
10 Best Views and Viewpoints of San Francisco
There are countless viewpoints in San Francisco, but these are the best, in our humble opinion. San Francisco combines the vibrancy...
12 Best Beaches in San Francisco
The best beaches in San Francisco are some of the city's most popular attractions. San Francisco is home to numerous...
5 Most Popular Streets in Los Angeles
Some of the most popular streets in Los Angeles are also among the city's icons, such as Hollywood Boulevard and...
10 Must-Visit Small Towns Near Yosemite National Park
There are plenty of small towns near Yosemite National Park, which means you won’t be limited to tent or RV...

Where & what to eat in California

10 Best Local Food from Los Angeles
Local dishes in Los Angeles range from unique Californian classics to universally beloved Tex-Mex, western, and domestic fare from all over the country. If there's one thing Angelinos love to do, it's eat, and this is a foodie destination with...
10 Best Local Dishes from San Diego
This guide details the best San Diego foods everyone should try. The city's stunning seaside and surrounding farmland makes it...
10 Best San Francisco Foods Everyone Should Try
San Francisco is home to a wide variety of flavours focused on savoury foods and a healthy mix of cuisine...

Where to shop & what to buy in California

10 Best Shopping Malls in Los Angeles
The best shopping malls in LA are places you can head to in case you get dazed and confused with the virtually endless supply of shops in this sprawling city. Shopping centres are popular in the City of Angels thanks...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Los Angeles
The best places to go shopping in Los Angeles attract those who take their retail therapy seriously. This Californian metropolis...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in San Diego
San Diego is an excellent shopping destination in California. It has year-round sunny days, outdoor malls, and scenic views of...

Where to go & what to do at night in California

10 Best Nightclubs in Los Angeles
The best nightclubs in Los Angeles are great destinations where you can spend a fun evening out with drinks, dance, and music. This guide presents some of the coolest places to party at night in the metropolis. From booming techno-fuelled...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Santa Monica
There are plenty of things to do after dinner in the beachside city of Santa Monica. Its famous Santa Monica...
10 Best Theatres in Los Angeles
The best theatres in Los Angeles are also among the city’s most notable landmarks. The California city is widely known...

Useful information

10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting San Diego
This guide to mistakes people make when visiting San Diego helps you plan a hassle-free and enjoyable vacation in the Californian city. These misconceptions and missteps are easily avoidable, which can help save you precious vacation time and money. San Diego...
10 Clichés About California That Are Actually True
When you think of California, what usually springs to mind? Perhaps more than other parts of America, the Golden State...
10 Most Popular Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles
The best neighbourhoods in Los Angeles range from entertainment capitals to humble suburbs. Some areas are for those who appreciate...

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Where to stay in California

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